This hearty and comforting bowl is a vegan take on a Louisiana Creole dish made with red kidney beans, onions, celery, peppers and andouille inspired tofu, slowly simmered in a spicy and smoky sauce.
Prep Time: 20minutes mins
Cook Time: 1hour hr 30minutes mins
Total Time: 1hour hr 50minutes mins
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cans 19oz red kidney beans
- 2 tbsp neutral oil of choice
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 red bell peppers charred & skin removed
- 1 rib celery diced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- a pinch cayenne optional
- 1 L veggie stock or water
- 1 tbsp tamari
- 3 bay leaves
- salt + pepper to taste
- 4 servings rice cooked
- parsley for garnish
The andouille inspired tofu crumbles:
- 2 tbsp neutral oil of choice
- 1 block extra firm tofu pressed and torn into bite sized chunks
- 1 tbsp nutrititional yeast
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 pinch cayenne optional
- 3 tbsp tamari
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a pot, over medium heat, cook garlic, onion and celery in oil.
I charred my red peppers in advance (and removed the blackened skins) for a smokier flavour, but this is optional.
Add peppers and cook until they begin to soften. Season. Stir in thyme, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika & veggie stock. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered (stirring occasionally) until sauce thickens. About 1.5 hours.
In a frying pan, over medium heat, cook tofu in oil until all sides are golden and crispy.
Add spice blend and tamari and stir to coat everything. Continue to cook for a few minutes.
Add tofu to beans, taste and adjust seasoning to suit your personal preference. Remove bay leaves. Adjust consistency of sauce by adding a little water, if necessary.
Serve beans and tofu with rice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Red Beans and Rice (Vegan)
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke the same sense of nostalgia and satisfaction as Red Beans and Rice. Rooted in the culinary traditions of the American South, this hearty dish has long been cherished for its robust flavors and soul-warming qualities. Now, with the rise of plant-based cuisine, Vegan Red Beans and Rice offers a fresh interpretation of this beloved classic, proving that comfort food can be both delicious and compassionate.
At its essence, Vegan Red Beans and Rice remains true to the soulful simplicity of its traditional counterpart. Tender red beans, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices and savory vegetables, create a rich and flavorful base that is as satisfying as it is nutritious. Paired with fluffy rice, each spoonful of this dish transports the diner to a place of comfort and contentment, evoking memories of home-cooked meals and gatherings with loved ones.
What sets Vegan Red Beans and Rice apart is its innovative approach to traditional cooking techniques. By eschewing animal products in favor of plant-based alternatives, this dish offers a lighter, healthier twist on the classic recipe, without compromising on taste or texture. In place of meat, hearty vegetables and protein-rich legumes take center stage, creating a dish that is not only satisfying to the palate but also nourishing to the body.
Moreover, Vegan Red Beans and Rice represents a celebration of culinary diversity and inclusivity. By offering a vegan rendition of a quintessentially Southern dish, this recipe opens its arms to a wider audience, inviting vegans and non-vegans alike to partake in its comforting flavors. In a world where dietary preferences vary widely, Vegan Red Beans and Rice serves as a unifying force, bridging the gap between different culinary traditions and lifestyles.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Vegan Red Beans and Rice embodies a larger ethos of sustainability and mindful eating. By choosing plant-based ingredients, this dish not only reduces its environmental footprint but also promotes ethical consumption practices that prioritize the well-being of both animals and the planet. In doing so, Vegan Red Beans and Rice serves as a delicious reminder that every meal we consume is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around us.
In conclusion, Vegan Red Beans and Rice is more than just a dish—it is a celebration of the rich tapestry of flavors, cultures, and values that make up the fabric of American cuisine. So, whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or a curious newcomer to the world of plant-based cooking, let Vegan Red Beans and Rice take you on a culinary journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the beauty of compassionate eating.